Over €15.8 million being invested in two University of Algarve residences at Penha and Gambela campuses
The University of Algarve (UAlg) is moving forward with the construction of two new student residences on its Penha and Gambelas campuses, in Faro. The total cost for these new buildings, which will provide 287 additional beds for students, is over €15.8 million.
The new Penha II residence will cost just under €6.9 million and will have five floors, covering a total area of 3,977 square metres and boasting 125 beds. It will feature a mix of 71 single rooms, 24 doubles, 5 rooms for students with disabilities, and even a one-bedroom apartment.
Meanwhile, the Gambelas residence will cost under €8.9 million and will be spread over 1,781 square metres and three floors, featuring 162 beds divided between 80 single rooms, 38 doubles, 5 accessible rooms, and a one one-bedroom apartment.
Both residences will be built on the Penha and Gambelas campus grounds, allowing students to enjoy a “complete academic experience.”
In a statement, UAlg says the new dorms aim to provide quality lodging for students, providing them with the “comfort and life quality” they need during this time of their lives. The residences also aim to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among students living there, whilst still providing each student with the privacy they need, ultimately creating an “favourable environment for studying and academic success.”
UAlg has also been working hard to improve existing housing at six residences. With the new buildings, the Algarve’s only public university will see its housing capacity grow by 51%, offering a total of 845 beds for students.
Cited in the statement, UAlg rector Paulo Águas guaranteed that “student housing remains a top priority for UAlg”. With the construction of the new dorms, Águas believes that access to higher education will be made easier and more accessible to students from other areas. The rector also pointed out that UAlg leads the way in Portugal in terms of upgrading student accommodation.
Architect Rui Gago of Inovarx, Lda. is in charge of the architectural design of the new dorms, while construction will be handled by Domingos da Silva Teixeira S.A. These projects are part of the National Plan for Higher Education Housing (PNAES) and are funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
Portimão campus moves forward
Portimão municipal council and the University of Algarve will sign a protocol on Tuesday (January 21) to pave the way for the construction of a university campus in the town’s Barranco do Rodrigo area.
The signing ceremony is scheduled to take place at 5pm at the Al-Faghar building.
